Watching a loved one struggle with drug and alcohol addiction can be challenging. The frustration, guilt, and anger that arises are often paired with sadness and regret. Most people in this position want to help their addicted loved one–but how?

Staging an intervention can be an effective way to convince an addicted person to go to rehab. Planning and holding a successful intervention is often more complex than some people expect. We’ve put together some of the most effective tips to keep in mind to hold an effective intervention.

If you or a loved one needs treatment for substance use or addiction, reach out to the caring specialists at Artise Treatment Center today to discuss your treatment options.

What is an Intervention?

An intervention is a planned process where friends and family of an addicted person gather to express support. The goal of an intervention is to convince the person with addiction to seek immediate treatment for their substance use disorder.

For an intervention to be effective, friends and family of the addicted person must first meet with a licensed drug and alcohol abuse counselor, doctor, or trained interventionist. Professional support ensures that the people holding the intervention can access the support and resources they need to help their loved one get treatment.

The intervention will serve several purposes, including:

• Giving the addicted person specific examples of the harm their destructive behaviors are causing
• Provides a clear, preplanned treatment plan, including goals, boundaries, and steps
• Clearly outlines how friends and families will enforce their own boundaries and what actions they will take if the addicted person refuses treatment

Planning an intervention includes determining where, when, and how it will happen, who will be there, what treatment is available, and more. Having the support of a trained interventionist is critical to the planning stages. A professional interventionist will offer guidance, expertise, and support during every stage of an intervention, which can lead to better outcomes for everyone involved.

10 Tips for a Successful Addiction Intervention

The majority of well-planned interventions are successful at convincing an addicted person to go to rehab. Here are ten of the most important things to keep in mind when planning an addiction intervention.

1. Consider who will be there

Addiction causes people to isolate themselves from others and abandon even their most important relationships. Surrounding an addicted person with caring support and love is a foundation of a good intervention.

Invite only people close to the addicted person, and exclude anyone struggling with an active addiction.

2. Timing is everything

An intervention won’t work if the person at the center of it is intoxicated. Plan the intervention for a time when the person is least likely to be under the influence so they can clearly process what is happening.

3. Choose the right place

Avoid holding the intervention at the person’s home, but choose a place that is not open to the public. Having your intervention at home gives the addicted person a chance to hide in another room. Holding it in public eliminates the privacy you’ll need to be honest and vulnerable.

4. Take turns

Plan out who will speak and in what order. Have the people closest to the addicted person speak last so their message will have the most significant impact.

5. Be prepared

For an intervention to be most effective, all participants must feel ready and able to stay focused during the event. Interventions can quickly derail if emotions run too hot–so take the time to practice, prepare, and support each participant throughout the process.

6. Stay on track

Don’t go off script during an intervention. Think about what you’ll say beforehand. Consider what is important to express and what you can leave out. Write it down, rehearse it, and don’t deviate from what you’re prepared during the intervention.

7. Think about your body language

Your addicted loved one may feel threatened or judged if they perceive that people are angry with them. Consider the way you are holding yourself during the intervention. Are you tense with balled fists and a furrowed brow? Practice sitting with uncrossed arms and legs, and lean forward a little to show you’re listening to your loved one. Keep your face, shoulders, and hands relaxed to convey calm and concern.

8. Stay calm

Emotions can flare up as people share their hurt, pain, and concern during an intervention. Find ways to stay calm. Process emotions with other loved ones or a counselor before and after the intervention, and practice reading your written statement until you can share without becoming overwhelmed.

9. Don’t give up

Even if your loved one refuses treatment and walks away, do not chase them or try to restrain them in any way. Use the opportunity to examine what didn’t work well so that you can try again next time.

10. Hire an interventionist

Having the support and expertise of a professional interventionist improves the likelihood of holding a successful intervention. An interventionist will work with you and your loved ones to find the support and resources necessary for the best outcomes.

Learn More About Planning a Successful Intervention

If you are planning an intervention, reach out to the specialists at Arise Treatment Center for support. Or, if you are looking for substance abuse treatment, our team can discuss your treatment options.

Our holistic approach to addiction treatment means people get the skills and support they need to overcome addiction and leave it behind for good. Don’t wait another day for the help you need. Call us today.